The Bathroom Diaries: Week 10
Out with the old, in with the new, painting, and tile breakages.
It’s the last week before Christmas, and ten weeks ago I was hoping the bathroom would be complete, which was very ambitious! Needless to say, that isn’t the case. However, the vision I had of relaxing in the bath with a glass of Prosecco has materialised, and on Friday evening, that’s exactly what happened.
Even if we’d made more progress with the bathroom installation, the tiling wasn’t going to be finished in time, as (i) we decided to extend how much of the wall was going to be tiled and (ii) we may have had a small issue with a cracked tile during the week, which has postponed the shower screen being installed.
Unfortunately, as the tiles come from Italy and are on a 4-6 week lead-time, we’re not going to be complete until February. So, I’m now aiming for everything to be finished in time for Valentine's.
Monday 16th December:
The window has the blind in position and is finally ready to be blocked up.
A wooden frame has been constructed, and the other half has placed a sheet of Celotex to help with insulation. A sheet of plywood has been painted black and attached to this, so it blacks out the window from the front of the house, with only the blind visible.
This wall can now be boarded, ready for tiling.
I spent the morning giving the newly plastered ceiling and either side of the feature wall a mist coat.
Tuesday 17th December:
Today was a busy day, getting lots of little jobs completed.
The ceiling had its first coat in the morning, which then allowed the other half to focus on getting the rest of the shower enclosure wall boarded, ready for tiling.
I was able to get the first coat of the feature wall painted, and I couldn’t be happier with how well the colour works with the wall tiles. I’ve used my favourite Little Greene Paint, Slacked Lime.
The final job for the day was tanking the shower enclosure, which will fully waterproof the area before the rest of the tiling is done.
Wednesday 18th December:
The other half was working, so we actually had a well-deserved day off from the bathroom.
I took the dogs for our annual beach walk, and it was just lovely switching off and enjoying the start of Christmas.
Thursday 19th December:
We had our bathroom fitter return today.
I was hoping the rest of the shower enclosure would be tiled, ready for the shower screen to be positioned so we could have the shower up and running. However, unfortunately, we had our one and only tile breakage.
The positioning of one of the controls is really close to the edge of the tile, and as the hole was cut out, it caused the tile to crack right down the middle.
We’re now two tiles short for this area, and with the extra tiles I’ve ordered for the rest of this wall to be finished, it’s going to be February before we’ll be able to use the shower properly.
This is not ideal, especially for someone who loves the ease and convenience of a shower (especially when it comes to washing my hair). So, as a temporary fix, we’ve purchased a shower hose that is long enough to reach the bath.
For the next few weeks, I’ll be sitting in the bath while trying to have a shower and not get water everywhere!
However, ignoring the fact we have a lovely gap of two tiles, it’s all coming together, and the niche for the shower has also been installed.
The afternoon saw the infamous bath being plumbed in and positioned. I managed to pop into the bathroom at the perfect time, just to capture some video footage of it being lowered into position.
With all the drama of getting it into the bathroom, the actual installation was extremely simple, and I am so pleased to see it in pride of place.
Friday 20th December:
The day we finally kissed goodbye to the old bathroom suite.
The underfloor pipework was arranged, connecting everything up before the new floor base is laid.
We even got the cistern for the toilet plumbed in.
Our bathroom fitter is now on holiday until the new year, and I’m overjoyed with what he’s managed to do in less than four days.
More importantly, I managed to enjoy my first bath this evening. I just ignored the fact the rest of the bathroom is still very much a work in progress!
Saturday 21st December:
Our electrician came over to arrange the second fix electrics.
We now have (dimmable) spotlights and a very fancy extractor fan.
Part of the afternoon was then spent adding loft insulation into the roof of the extension; not quite what I had in mind for my Saturday. I did have visions of snuggling on the sofa with the dogs watching a Christmas film, however, needs must.
At least now it should be a lot warmer in the bathroom until the radiator is installed.
Although I won’t be in a rush to lay loft insulation any time soon, it’s not the most enjoyable experience, especially when I’m not a fan of being enclosed in confined spaces, although who is?
Now it’s time to put my feet up (with the other half) and enjoy the Christmas break.
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas. Thank you once again for all of your support, and all the best for 2025.
The Bathroom Diaries instalment will next land in your inbox on Sunday 12th January.
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The Bathroom Diaries is an additional weekly post every Sunday, sharing the progress of our first-ever renovation journey, documenting the creation of my dream bathroom.
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What a week! I’m very sorry about the tile, how annoying (gorgeous tile choice by the way!) Anyway, it’s looking really good & your bath is just 😍 Have a fabulous festive season Sonya, look forward to your posts next year 🤎 xx
How frustrating about the broken tile, but I’m so pleased you’ve been able to use the bath! Looking forward to seeing it in the finishing stages in the new year. Hope you have a lovely Christmas, Sonya!